Liverpool are interested in signing Australian centre-back Lucas Herrington – but are likely to face stiff competition from Barcelona and Manchester United for the World Cup star’s signature.
Herrington impressed for the Socceroos in the international tournament – and caught the eye despite missing a crucial penalty kick in the country’s last eight against Egypt.
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The defender currently plays in MLS for the Colorado Rapids – but could be on his way to a significant career boost. The World Cup form has attracted interest from several top clubs.
Liverpool are on the hunt for a new centre-back after Ibrahima Konaté left the club for Real Madrid on a free transfer earlier this summer.
Jérémy Jacquet has been brought in from Rennes for £60m – but an extra option in defence is needed in Andoni Iraola’s squad. Herrington has been identified as a candidate for this role.
Liverpool to battle top clubs for Lucas Herrington
Despite turning 18 only in September last year, Herrington was set to start for Australia in the World Cup – and the decision may have radically changed his career.
The teenager, described as “top, top level”, has only made 17 first-team appearances for the Colorado Rapids – but is now the subject of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester United are considering making a move for the youngster. In addition, as many as seven Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation – as well as a number of clubs on the continent.
The amount of potential suitors means that Colorado is in a strong negotiating position – and the MLS club should be keen to make its own demands in any deal.
The American club wants an arrangement where Herrington remains on loan in Denver for one more year – before moving to Europe permanently.
Several of the interested parties are said to be positive about this idea – but it is not specified whether Liverpool are among the clubs that would accept such a temporary solution.
Liverpool are in dire need of immediate defensive reinforcements
At the moment, Iraola is dependent on an ageing Virgil van Dijk, 20-year-old Jérémy Jacquet and injury-plagued Joe Gomez in central defence. 19-year-old Giovani Leoni is still fighting his way back after a cruciate ligament injury.
It is clear that the Merseyside club lack reliable stopper options ahead of next season – and Herrington would not solve this immediate problem.
While signing the Australian could make sense in terms of long-term squad planning, it’s clear that he won’t be able to make an immediate difference at Anfield – and will likely have to spend a year developing elsewhere.
Therefore, Iraola and Liverpool’s management should turn their attention elsewhere. Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio has been linked with a move to the northwest of England – and the Reds should certainly focus their energy on securing a player of the Portuguese’s calibre.
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